Crossword Genius

Small advance for a vessel? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

minisub

'a vessel?' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'small advance' is the wordplay.
'small' becomes 'mini' (short for miniature).
'advance' becomes 'sub' (I've seen this in other clues).
'mini'+'sub'='MINISUB'

'for' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for minisub that I've seen before include "small craft" , "exploration vessel" , "Vessel for up to two persons for underwater work" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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